Become a Prescribing Doctor – Step-by-Step Guide

🌿 Only ~4% of doctors in Australia are approved to prescribe medicinal cannabis. Are you ready to become one of them?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval process ensures safe prescribing, but navigating it can be complex. This step-by-step guide simplifies the journey so you can start prescribing with confidence.

💡 Click on each section below to expand and learn more.

📌 Why Become a Prescriber?

✅ Improve patient outcomes with an alternative treatment for chronic conditions.

✅ Join a growing network of over 5,700 approved prescribers.

✅ Access a regulated framework for safe, legal prescribing.

Medicinal cannabis is increasingly recognized for conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, palliative care, and mental health disorders. By obtaining TGA approval, you can integrate it into your clinical practice ethically and legally.

📋 Eligibility Criteria

To become a prescribing doctor, you must:

✅ Be a registered medical practitioner (AHPRA registration).

✅ Have a clinical justification for prescribing medicinal cannabis.

✅ Ensure the medication is Schedule 8 (S8) or Schedule 4 (S4) under the Poisons Standard.

✅ Have a basic understanding of cannabinoid prescribing or complete relevant training.

⚠️ Some states require additional approvals before prescribing. Check your local requirements in the next section.

📝 Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Determine Your Prescribing Pathway

There are two ways to prescribe medicinal cannabis:

🔹 Special Access Scheme (SAS-B): Apply on a case-by-case basis for individual patients.

🔹 Authorised Prescriber (AP) Scheme: Apply for ongoing approval if you plan to prescribe regularly.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

You will need:

📄 Clinical justification (e.g., patient condition, supporting research).

📑 Evidence of safety & efficacy (e.g., studies, clinical guidelines).

🗂 State/Territory approval (if required).

Step 3: Submit Application to the TGA

🔹 SAS-B applications – Submit via the TGA SAS Online Portal.

🔹 AP applications – Submit via the TGA Business Services Portal (TBS).

🔹 AP applicants may need Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) or specialist college endorsement.

📍 State/TGA Approval Requirements

Each state and territory has its own regulations for prescribing Schedule 8 (S8) cannabis medications:

🌏 NSW, VIC, QLD – Require additional health department approval before prescribing.

🌏 WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT – Follow TGA guidelines, but may have reporting requirements.

💡 Important: State rules change frequently. Check your state’s health department website for the latest updates.

🔗 Resources & Links

For more details, visit these official resources:

🔹 TGA SAS Online Portal

🔹 TGA Authorised Prescriber Scheme

🔹 State Health Department Approvals

💬 Need Assistance? Contact us for guidance on integrating medicinal cannabis into your practice.